Food and Faith Initiative
local foods processing center
In the summer of 2025, Pulse of Life Church received a $99,999 USDA RFIS grant, administered through the SD DENR, to bring big transformation to The Shed on Main Street! This project will turn The Shed into a vibrant local foods processing kitchen, complete with state-of-the-art equipment for creating value-added products from fresh fruits and vegetables, plus bulk cold storage to keep everything farm-fresh. With a front office, families and businesses can get access to farm-to-table freshness right in town. Even better—this facility is completely free for market gardeners and local farmers, giving them the tools to reach new value-added markets like restaurants, schools, hospitals, retailers, and wholesalers.
This is more than a building upgrade—it’s a community breakthrough in supporting local farmers, strengthening food security, and making fresh, healthy food accessible to all.
genesis gardens
Welcome to Genesis Gardens – Growing Community, Nourishing Families
Opening in 2026 on two beautiful acres along East Main Street in Vermillion, Genesis Gardens is more than a garden—it’s a place where children learn, families connect, and fresh food flourishes.
Through our Kids Gardening education program, little ones will explore the wonders of planting, growing, and harvesting right in the heart of the garden. At the same time, our CSA-style subscription program will provide families with weekly boxes of just-picked vegetables and herbs, available for easy community pickup.
Because we believe fresh food should be for everyone, families using SNAP benefits will receive a weekly box at no cost throughout the growing season.
Together, we’re cultivating more than vegetables—we’re cultivating joy, health, and community.
volunteering
Genesis Gardens is part of our food & faith Initiative and launching in 2026—and we need your hands, hearts, and passion to bring it to life!
We are seeking volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to join us in managing two acres of fresh, healthy food for our community while inspiring the next generation through hands-on Kids Gardening Education programming open to all children in the community.
Opportunities to Serve:
- Garden Managers – Help oversee planting schedules, garden planning, volunteers, and day-to-day operations.
- Youth Garden Educators – Lead children in discovering the joy of gardening, faith, and creation care.
- Master Gardeners & Skilled Growers – Share your expertise and mentor others.
- Garden Workers & Volunteers – Join us in planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting the abundance God provides.
Whether you can give a few hours a week or a whole summer of service, your efforts will make a lasting impact in feeding families, teaching children, and growing faith through the soil.
College students, this is your chance to dig in, learn new skills, and make a difference while being part of a fun, vibrant community project!
Come grow with us—planting hope, cultivating faith, and harvesting blessings together.
To volunteer or learn more, contact ministry@pulseoflife.org or call 605-659-4744. You can also complete our volunteer application online.